Interview Skills

Agenda:
The interview: before, during, and after
Preparing yourself: body language, dress code, what to bring
Dealing with tough questions

Before you go,
4 things to know:
Know yourself: Examine your application from your interviewer’s point of view. What might need clarification?
Know the BSc programme: Show that you understand what is needed to succeed in SSE Riga’s BSc in Business and Economics.
Know SSE Riga: Find out as much as you can – including courses, student life (Peak Time, Debate society, JeJoe etc.), projects (BICEPS etc.), faculty .
Know the details: Time, date, location, documents to take with you.

The day has come…
Their questions:
Can you become a good student of SSE Riga? (Skills, qualifications, knowledge, experience)
Will you do make a good student of SSE Riga? (Motivation, enthusiasm, dedication, drive)
Will you fit in? (teamwork, tension, personality)
Your questions:
Ask questions that will further your understanding of how you can do all of the above. Show you are thinking, curious, genuinely interested.

After the Interview
Evaluate your performance. Are you satisfied? Consider areas of improvement.
Send a thank you letter for their time. Send a separate letter to each person you met with. Include any additional information on a point you discussed to make letter personal. Check details – spelling of names and titles (*** I hope to find out who is going to conduct interviews in Kyiv=).
Follow up in a timely manner, as agreed in the interview.

Preparation
Body language
Clothing
What to bring and what to leave behind

What language
is your body speaking?
‘Open’ vs. ‘Closed’
What are you afraid of? (nervous gestures)
I am not your best friend, and this is not your living room. Don’t be too relaxed!
How is your handshake? And look me in the eyes, please.

Interview Fashion 101
Do:
Wear a suit
Polish your shoes
Check your hair
Arrive with groomed fingernails
Lean towards conservative
Turn off your phone
Don’t:
Have anything in your mouth
Wear heavy fragrance
Carry more than one small professional bag
Wear overly loud colors or jewelry

Fashion 101: Part II
Ladies:
Avoid excessively feminine dress. (heels, stockings, accessories)
Wear a suit (can be a dress/skirt – but wear a jacket)
Gentlemen:
Arrive in a clean and pressed suit and tie
Pay careful attention to details ( buttons, stains, wrinkles)

Bring/Leave at home:
Bring:
All application materials
All documents required (originals)
Leave:
Anything not related to the interview
Leave your phone, or TURN IT OFF

Dealing with tough questions
General strategies
Advice for specific questions
What to do if you make a mistake

General Strategies:
Take a quiet, deep breath
Recognize that handling stress is part of proving yourself
Restate the question
Ask if you can come back to the question after you have had a moment to think
Remember that a good, thoughtful answer – not a fast answer – is the goal.
If you feel you haven’t understand the question (possibly due to the language issue), ask to repeat it (e.g. I am sorry, would you be so kind as to repeat your question ? I am not sure I got the main idea. )

Some questions they asked me last year…
Why Business and Economics?
Why do you want to go abroad for studies rather than stay in Ukraine?
Your interests?
Do you think your parents could pay for your studies or you only consider the possibility to get the grant?
Can you provide an example of your great achievement so far?
Do you have any questions to us?
How would your friends describe you?

The Tough Question –
Money!
Be prepared for the question about tuition fee!!! – Do you think your parents can afford it (6000 EUR)?
Connect your answer to the Swedish government grant
Don’t say “I’d like to study at SSE Riga – just because Sweds gonna pay for me”
Rather…” I greatly appreciate the opportunity to compete for a full scholarship offered by the Swedish government”

Did you make a mistake?
If it was obvious (calling someone by the wrong name, going to the wrong room for the interview) acknowledge it, apologize briefly, and move on. Don’t let it frazzle you!
If you said something you shouldn’t have, ask for the opportunity to clarify.
Remember that the “interviewer” may not notice your discomfort - important to remain calm and professional about your mistake.

Attitude is Everything
Be:
Positive
Professional
Pleasant
Sincere
Interesting
Curious

The Magnificent YOU!
Remember, you are there to show your MOTIVATION, MOTIVATION, MOTIVATION
Make them want you
It’s your moment to shine
Be a shining star!